Art is in Penny Saftler’s bones.

She and her husband own the Saftler’s Fabric store on Route 18 –– a Whitman landmark for over 80 years –– and she is an accomplished artist in her own right.

An artist and interior designer by trade, Saftler graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from University of Massachusetts/Amherst, and has made a lifelong career with her creative abilities.

She believes a good artist needs to feel connected to the surrounding world, pointing to the works of political artist Shepard Fairey recently displayed at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston as an example.

“I think an artist is someone who can feel what’s around them, drawing what they actually see, and bringing out an emotion in someone based on what they have drawn. Taking an everyday subject and transforming it from a two dimensional work, making it come alive in a three dimensional world.”

Observing the world around her, Saftler said she sometimes sees works of art in everyday life.

“I try to take that and put it on a piece of paper, making it pleasing not only to myself, but to others around me.   Art evokes a reaction in someone else,” she added.

Mastering numerous techniques in her own works, Saftler has created compositions with graphite, oil and charcoal drawings.  She does commissioned work for special occasions; some of her favorite pieces are portraits.  At times working from a picture or sketch, she can create a one-of–a kind keepsake. She has exhibited her work as well.

Also a member of the Whitman Cultural Council for four years, Saftler said she looks forward to the MusicFest Summer Concert Series in the Whitman Park. The committee issues grants for art and culturally related events, including, nature, science and others.

This fall the Cultural Council will host their third annual gala, “Cake, Champagne and Art,” which has been a success in the past. Saftler has had her works exhibited alongside many local artists during the event, as well as having a hand in the planning of the event.

She also aspires to eventually host a group for more experienced artists in an open studio time where artists create their own pieces, but socialize and give opinions, feedback and support to one another.

She and her husband have raised two girls now in their teens that have their own unique interests.  She said she always did art projects when her children were younger, but Saftler said they have each developed their own talents as they matured.

Saftler recently decided to try her hand at teaching.  Her first class hosted this spring had six adult beginners in the two-hour class.

“We used right brain-left brain ways of thinking,” said Saftler.  “It is an exercise where the students turn off the left brain, the more analytical part of thinking, and attempt to see more using the right brain. We also work on different forms and shapes, different ways of looking at something.”

Enrollment for classes is located at Saftler’s in the class sign up area.